Review by MsTri -- Farmer Beau's Farm by Kathleen Geiger

MsTri · Post by **MsTri** » 06 Aug 2017, 17:40

[Following is a volunteer review of "Farmer Beau's Farm" by Kathleen Geiger.]

4 out of 4 stars

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It’s an age-old question, dating back to Cain and Abel: What’s a youngster to do when mommy and daddy have a new baby? Kathleen Geiger answers just this question in Farmer Beau’s Farm, an engaging and fun tale that uses fur babies to explore such issues.

One lovely day, Farmer Beau and his wife, Bamma, discover six kittens, whom they enjoy watching every day until the kittens grow up and go off to live their lives elsewhere. Fortunately, one kitten remains and they name her Kailey, making her a home of her own in the barn so she’ll stay. Kailey, being a kitten, is curious, so she wanders the farm and one day befriends a bunny named Sammy. The two creatures strike up a friendship and enjoy living together in the barn for a time. Then one day, they overhear the farmer and his wife talking about a new and “unusual” animal they’ll be bringing on to the farm. Not knowing what to think, the friends worry that the farmer and Bamma won’t love them as much anymore and that they’ll be made fun of for having such a creature on the farm.

I loved this story. The kitten and bunny were given cute personalities and I could almost “hear” their voices in my head. I could also imagine them roaming about the farm, paw-in-paw, laughing and having fun. As the older sibling of two, I was completely able to empathize with their feelings of fear and discomfort, not quite clear on just what was going on, as well.

I think the illustrations were spot-on, conveying what was going on in the story at optimum times and giving a great balance of text-pictures-text-pictures. They had just the right blend of realistic backgrounds and fantastical colors for our main characters. One thing I noticed was that Bamma looked one way in the first two pictures and another in the remainder of the book, but I don’t think this will concern the age group it’s meant for.

I mostly love how Ms. Geiger was able to teach her lessons without being preachy. Children won’t even know they’re being taught while reading this story, yet they’ll learn about acceptance, love, and security, all while having fun. Like me, if they’re an older sibling, they’ll be able to see themselves in the tale and take away something especially relevant to themselves.

I give this story 4 out of 4 stars for its excellence in all areas. The only thing that made me chuckle a little bit was the repeated question of ‘What kind of creature is it?...What kind of animal could this be?’ when the answer is right there on the cover of the book. Not much of a mystery there, if the author is aiming for one.

While I think this story has great appeal for the kindergarten/early elementary group, I also think older children, and even adults, will also enjoy it and get a big smile from the story.

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Farmer Beau's Farm
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Christina Rose · Post by **Christina Rose** » 27 Aug 2017, 22:11

I love how you were able to connect to the story! It really added a lot to your review, and I'm sure it added to your enjoyment of the book as well. It definitely sounds like we had very similar thoughts about, and reactions to, this children's book. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

LadyClaire · Post by **LadyClaire** » 28 Aug 2017, 00:22

Glowering review, Ms. I guess this book has lessons for everyone. It's also remarkable that it's not preachy. Thanks for reading and sharing

Post by **Sanju Lali** » 20 Aug 2018, 04:02

Though it is a children's book, even adults can feel nice and get amused by the story of the small cats and the farmer family.

Ruba Abu Ali · Post by **Ruba Abu Ali** » 20 Aug 2018, 05:42

I'll go for this one. I am glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the lively and charming review.

gali · Post by **gali** » 25 Nov 2018, 08:53

A book revolving around a farm and teaching diversity sounds like a sweet book for kids. It is nice that the kitten and bunny were given cute personalities and that the illustrations were spot-on. That the book is not preachy is another plus. Not for me, but I am glad you enjoyed the book. Thank you for the review!

Scerakor · Post by **Scerakor** » 25 Nov 2018, 08:56

Bringing another person into a family can be a stressful time for kids and it sounds like this book nails the topic on the head with an excellent story focused around farm animals. Through the excellent illustrations and a story of Kailey and Sammy, this book takes a tough subject and makes it accessible to kids of all ages.

Ferdinand_Otieno · Post by **Ferdinand_Otieno** » 25 Nov 2018, 09:01

This is an amazing animal children's book with good life lessons like friendship and acceptance. The onlinebookclub review was written masterfully and i rated the book 3 out of 4 stars. A free sample can be found on Amazon and Congrats @geigerk1951 on being the BOTD.

Fozia-Bajwa · Post by **Fozia-Bajwa** » 25 Nov 2018, 09:07

I read the story of the book Farmer Beau's Farm by Kathleen Geiger in your review. The most favorable and beautiful part of the story is the relationship of friendship between Kailey and Sammy. The both creatures like each other and became friends to each other. Their cute relation makes the story beautiful.

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 25 Nov 2018, 09:12

4 out of 4 stars
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It’s an age-old question, dating back to Cain and Abel: What’s a youngster to do when mommy and daddy have a new baby? Kathleen Geiger answers just this question in Farmer Beau’s Farm, an engaging and fun tale that uses fur babies to explore such issues.

This can be such a challenging event for most children! I love that this book approaches the subject, without, as you say, being preachy. I think kids will enjoy it and understand the message, or it could even open a discussion with parents and caregivers about how they feel.
Great review as always, MsTri!

LV2R · Post by **LV2R** » 25 Nov 2018, 09:13

Yes, it is not much of a mystery of what the "unique animal" will be when it is on the cover. This book seems like a good way to touch on the issues siblings may have when there is a new baby in the family. Kailey Kitten and Sammy Bunny have cute personalities and learn lessons of acceptance, love, and security.

vinkipc · Post by **vinkipc** » 25 Nov 2018, 09:20

Great review. I am glad that this time round children book have been given a chance. It is also great that the story is educative and not told in a preachy manner. Its moral lessons are acceptance, love and security which are indeed good for everyone.

Sumbule1 · Post by **Sumbule1** » 25 Nov 2018, 09:21

The novel is based on traits of youngsters. I recommend this kind of genre for young people.

juniorpaul · Post by **juniorpaul** » 25 Nov 2018, 09:28

Although its for kids. It gave me a lot of inspiration on what and how to train up my own kids. Nice book.

Kalin Adi · Post by **Kalin Adi** » 25 Nov 2018, 09:30

I've always thought that a children's book should teach values and morals, besides entertaining kids. This book does both things. Children can enjoy the nice pictures that go along with the story and, at the same time, learn valuable teachings for life such as accepting a new member in the family.